Universiti of Malaysia Sabah

Introduction Dyslexia is a widespread Specific Learning Difficulty, and children with dyslexia often face significant psychological difficulties due to their challenges with reading, spelling, and writing. Objective This study examines the psychological functioning of children with dyslexia and compares it with typically developing children. Method This cross-sectional study used the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) to evaluate behavioral issues and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) to assess anxiety levels. Primary school teachers, who had known the children for at least a year, provided the reports. Data were analyzed using an independent sample t-test. Results Forty children with dyslexia (n = 40) and fifty typically developing children (n = 50) were assessed, in which both groups are predominantly boys (70%, 54%) aged 7–12 years (Mean age:9.3 ± 1.5). The results indicate a significantly greater degree of behavioural problems t(88) = 8.39,p < 0.001 among children with dyslexia compared to typically developing children. They also had higher level of anxiety t(88) = 6.81,p < 0.001 compared to typically developing children. Conclusion The findings highlight a strong connection between emotional and behavioral issues in children with dyslexia. Generally, these children are more prone to depression, anxiety, and disruptive behaviors compared to their peers. The study underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach that integrates emotional needs assessment and management into the interventions for children with dyslexia.

TiO2 is one of the most common and well-researched photocatalysts. However, it possesses certain limitations that hinder its research progress and practical application in the degradation of organic pollutants, particularly in the realm of (micro)plastics degradation. The modification of TiO2 is currently a research hotspot in the photocatalytic degradation of organics. Noble metal Ag, with its unique advantages of safety, environmental friendliness, antibacterial properties, and good electrical conductivity, is an excellent modifier for TiO2. This study first delved into the enhancement mechanism of Ag on TiO2 photocatalytic degradation and the mechanisms of Ag/TiO2 for degrading common organics and microplastics. It also discussed the preparation methods of Ag/TiO2 complexes, their advantages, disadvantages, and applications of each method. Furthermore, it presented a comparative analysis of the current research status of TiO2 and Ag/TiO2 photocatalytic degradation of organics, particularly on (micro)plastics. Finally, it highlighted the limitations and shortcomings of current studies and proposed potential future research directions. This research serves as a guide for the large-scale production of efficient Ag/TiO2 photocatalysts and the promotion of research on Ag/TiO2 photocatalytic degradation of microplastics.

Microplastics (MPs) are tiny plastic pieces having a diameter of less than 5 mm. They can arise from larger plastic debris that degrades over time, synthetic fibres from clothing, microbeads in personal care items and even larger plastic debris. Sea cucumbers are marine creatures vital to the ocean's ecosystem as they assist in maintaining a clean seabed and recycle nutrients. The aim of this research was to characterize the types of MPs isolated from the sea cucumber Holothuria scabra from Pulau Jambongan, Sabah. A total of 30 H. scabra were collected. Their gastrointestinal tracts were removed and digested using NaOH. The digestates were filtrated several times to extract the MPs. MPs were observed under microscope and categorized into shapes and colours. To determine the functional group of polymers, further analysis using Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was performed. The samples contained a total of 7403 MPs. Majority of MPs were black colored (72.25%) and in the form of fibres (99.05%). Two types of polymers were detected: polycarbonate (PC) found in 4% of the population and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) present in 96%. In conclusion, the presence of MPs in the gastrointestinal tract of H. scabra suggests that the animals and their habitat have been contaminated. Further study is required to comprehend the effects of MPs on sea cucumbers and other marine organisms as well as to develop prevention strategies.

Graphene, a two-dimensional material with exceptional electrical, optical, and mechanical properties, have positioned it as a promising material for photodiode applications. This review delves into the development of graphene materials, emphasizing synthesis, deposition techniques, and characterization. Deposition methods, including spin-coating and direct growth, are evaluated for their scalability and integration capabilities. The synthesis of graphene through methods such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD), exfoliation, and reduction of graphene oxide is discussed, with a focus on optimizing material quality for photodiode applications. Deposition techniques, including drop-casting, spray coating and spin coating method on substrates, are evaluated for their impact on device performance and scalability. Key characterization techniques are highlighted for assessing graphene's structural integrity, and optical properties, photodiode efficiency. The integration of graphene with other materials, such as semiconductors and dielectrics, is reported to enhance device sensitivity, responsivity, and operational stability. Finally, A hybrid heterojunction device with graphene material emphasizes the critical role of the hole transport layer is addressed in this review.

Ferns belong to species-rich group of land plants, encompassing more than 11,000 extant species, and are crucial for reflecting terrestrial ecosystem changes. However, our understanding of their biodiversity hotspots, particularly in Southeast Asia, remains limited due to scarce genetic data. Despite harboring around one-third of the world’s fern species, less than 6% of Southeast Asian ferns have been DNA-sequenced. In this study, we addressed this gap by sequencing 1,496 voucher-referenced and expert-identified fern samples from (sub)tropical Asia, spanning Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam, to retrieve their rbcL and trnL-F sequences. This DNA barcode collection of Asian ferns encompasses 956 species across 152 genera and 34 families, filling major gaps in fern biodiversity understanding and advancing research in systematics, phylogenetics, ecology and conservation. This dataset significantly expands the Fern Tree of Life to over 6,000 species, serving as a pivotal and global reference for worldwide barcoding identification of ferns.

Background We aimed to assess the plasma levels of ferritin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and adenosine deaminase (ADA) at baseline and their utility as biomarkers to monitor response to treatment in extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) patients. Methods Prospective measurements of ferritin, CRP, and ADA were done in unstimulated plasma samples of 92 EPTB (49 TB lymphadenitis and 43 TB pleuritis) patients registered for anti-TB treatment. Blood samples were taken at the start, 2, and 6 months of treatment, plasma levels of ferritin and CRP were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and ADA levels by kinetic chemistry method at each time point. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22. Non-parametric tests were used for paired analysis and two groups’ comparison. Spearman’s rank test was used for correlation analysis. A Chi-square test was used for categorical variables. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Before the start of treatment, plasma levels of ferritin were raised in 13% and 45%, CRP in 21% and 64%, and ADA in 70% and 60% of TB lymphadenitis and pleuritis cases respectively. Levels of all three biomarkers with raised values at baseline decreased significantly with treatment at both 2 and 6 months in all patients. [Ferritin (2 months p = 0.001, 6 months p < 0.001), CRP (2 months p < 0.001, 6 months p < 0.001), ADA (2 months p = 0.039, 6 months p < 0.004)]. Plasma levels of ferritin (median 300 ng/ml range = 145–758 ng/ml) and CRP (median 11.73 mg/L, range = 10.45–17.84 mg/L) were significantly higher in TB pleuritis patients, while the levels of ADA were not significantly different among the two groups. Biosignatures generated by different combinations showed that a combination of all three biomarkers could predict treatment response in 83% and 100% of all patients at 2 and 6 months of treatment respectively. Conclusion A combination of serum ferritin, CRP, and ADA shows a promising role in monitoring response to treatment in TB lymphadenitis and TB pleuritis patients. Similar studies in larger cohorts are needed to establish a definite role of these biomarkers in EPTB patients.

Alcohol consumption has been a central practice in Sabah, Malaysia. However, this region has witnessed a nuanced shift in drinking habits over the last decade, raising concerns about the health, economic, and social implications of alcohol use within the community in Sabah. This study explores the impact of gender narratives and cultural transformations on alcohol consumption within Sabah over the last decade. The objectives of this research include 1) assessing the shifts in alcohol consumption patterns over the last 10 years, 2) understand the role of gender differences in shaping these patterns, and 3) identify the economic consequences resulting from the changes. Employing a qualitative approach, we conducted focus group interviews with members of the native community, each group consisting of up to 7 participants. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes pertaining to gender roles, cultural practices, and socioeconomic influences of alcohol consumption. The data were then contextualized using Bronfenbrenner’s social-ecological model and social role theory. The study reveals a significant shift in drinking habits. Historically, alcohol was mostly consumed by men, but now more women are drinking, changing long-standing gender roles related to alcohol use. Children often copy their parents’ drinking behaviors, and with alcohol being more easily available, more people are drinking than before. Our findings also expose the complex consequences of alcohol use, which extend to health concerns, familial tension, and economic hardship. Despite the entrenched cultural status of alcohol, these negative outcomes are exacerbated by a lack of supportive healthcare services. In light of these insights, the study suggests the need for intervention plans that respect the cultural background of Sabah and account for gender dynamics while tackling the current issues of alcohol misuse. The research adds to the wider conversation about managing alcohol in different cultural settings and also recommended strategies based on the findings, such as cultural and gender sensitive community programs, youth centered programs, community-based healthcare services, employment support and training and development of laws and policies.

Panulirus stimpsoni is restricted to southern China, Vietnam, and Japan but has been rarely reported in tropical Gulf of Thailand. In Malaysia, only six species were previously reported. This study (1) reports the seventh Malaysian species – a new record of P. stimpsoni with morphological and genetic data; (2) establishes a checklist of Malaysian Panulirus species. Surveys from 2021 to 2022 sampled lobsters across Malaysia by SCUBA or from fishermen. Seven species were identified and a modified key of Malaysian species was constructed. The COI gene was used for genetic identification and phylogenetic tree reconstruction with maximum likelihood (ML). The best model was GTR + I + G. The ML tree comprised Clades I and II with sequences clustering by species and strong support. Most Peninsular Malaysian lobsters were P. polyphagus while P. versicolor dominated Sabah. Information on P. stimpsoni's full fishery potential, distribution, ecology, and biology is limited. Further research is needed to ensure conservation and management as data are only available for six previously reported species. Further studies are required to discover sustainable use approaches for all Panulirus species, particularly P. stimpsoni , given limited ecological understanding.

Tropical peat comprises decomposed dead plant material and acts like a sponge to absorb water, making it fully saturated. However, drought periods dry it readily and increases its vulnerability to fire. Peat fires emit greenhouse gases and particles contributing to haze, and prevention by constructing fire-break canals to reduce fire spread into forest reserves is crucial. This paper aims to determine peat physical and chemical properties near a fire-break canal at different fire frequency areas. Peat sampling was conducted at two forest reserves in Malaysia which represent low fire frequency and high fire frequency areas. The results show that peat properties were not affected by the construction of a fire-break canal, however lignin and cellulose content increased significantly from the distance of the canal in both areas. The study concluded that fire frequency did not significantly influence peat properties except for porosity. The higher fibre content in the high frequency area did not influence moisture content nor the ability to regain moisture. Thus, fire frequency might contribute differently to changes in physical and chemical properties, hence management efforts to construct fire- break canals and restoration efforts should protect peatlands from further degradation. These findings will benefit future management and planning for forest reserves.

Thyroid hemiagenesis (THA) is a rare congenital abnormality in which one of the thyroid lobes fails to develop normally. The prevalence rates range from 0.02% to 0.25%, with no gender preponderance and most commonly involve the left lobe. We report a case of left THA in a 37-year-old female that was found incidentally during total thyroidectomy for right papillary thyroid carcinoma. Most patients with THA are asymptomatic, however, may have subclinically raised thyroid-stimulating hormone levels or be predisposed to developing thyroid disorders such as nodular goiter, hyperthyroidism, Grave’s disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, hyperparathyroidism, or malignancy. Usual imaging techniques such as ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging allow the confirmation of diagnosis and provide clearer glandular and regional visualization. Additional modalities such as thyroid scintigraphy enable the functional assessment and identification of any suspicious nodules and aid in decision-making. THA is a very uncommon condition and the diagnosis is primarily made through imaging. Clinicians should be aware that this condition exists along with documented associations of concomitant thyroid disorders and malignancy.

Introduction Non-orthopaedic-trained healthcare professionals face challenges in identifying postnatal clubfoot deformities due to the lack of suitable assessment tools, resulting in misdiagnosis. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and validate the Neonatal Clubfoot Screening Checklist (NCSC) to assist non-orthopaedic-trained healthcare professionals in postnatal clubfoot assessment. Methods The NCSC development involved five phases: conceptual understanding of deformity components, creation of pictorial representations, tool structure design, content and face validation, pilot study and field study. A cross-sectional prospective study was conducted in Sarawak General Hospital from January to June 2021. Non-orthopaedic-trained healthcare professionals were randomly assigned to two groups: one utilising the NCSC for newborn screening and another without it. Results were compared with assessments by the paediatric orthopaedic team. Kappa agreement tests and sensitivity and specificity analyses were performed to evaluate the tool’s reliability and validity, respectively. Results The content and face validity were satisfactory. Six hundred twelve feet were screened using the NCSC, and 596 feet were checked without the tool. The kappa agreement tests showed strong concordance (kappa coefficient=0.725-1.000, P<0.001) between the non-orthopaedic-trained personnel and paediatric orthopaedic team for all NCSC items. The NCSC exhibited 100% sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values. Conclusion The NCSC is a reliable tool for postnatal clubfoot screening, offering high sensitivity and specificity. It facilitates accurate differentiation of true-positive congenital talipes equinovarus from other foot conditions, reducing misdiagnoses and unnecessary referrals. The NCSC is valuable in resource-constrained settings and for healthcare professionals lacking specialised orthopaedic training.

Immunotherapy has emerged as a crucial advancement in pulmonary carcinoma treatment. Nevertheless, its unique side effects not only reduce patients’ quality of life but also affect treatment efficacy, with severe cases potentially endangering the patient’s life. This study uses bibliometric analysis to perform a comprehensive bibliometric analysis literature on IRAEs in lung cancer from 1991 to 2023, retrieved from the Web of Science database. The dataset was analyzed using VOSviewer and CiteSpace to identify trends, key contributors, and emerging research areas. A total of 124 publications were analyzed, revealing a notable increase in research activity post-2015, with China and the USA contributing over 50% of the studies. This research highlights the importance of understanding IRAEs and suggests future investigations into the pulmonary microbiota and tumor microenvironment.

In recent years, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) region has faced pressing environmental concern, containing deforestation, pollution, biodiversity depletion, and increasing vulnerability to environmental change. Since many member countries depend highly on the Bay of Bengal's ecosystem for livelihoods and economic activities, addressing such environmental challenges is crucial for sustainable development. This research examines the impacts of forestry, urbanization, and financial inclusion on the load capacity factor (LCF) in the period of 2000–2022. The study seeks to understand the factors influencing regional LCF using econometric methods, such as cross-sectional dependence, slope homogeneity tests, and second-generation unit root and panel cointegration analyses. The Driscoll Kraay Standard Error (DKSE) method reveals a U-shaped connection between income and LCF, supporting hypothesis of Load Capacity Curve (LCC) in the BIMSTEC zone. The result indicates strong positive connections between forestry, urbanization, and LCF while highlighting the adverse effects of financial inclusion. Additional quantile regression (QR) analysis for validation confirms the steady U-shaped association between income and LCF across various quantiles. The result highlights the benefits of forestry and urbanization and the drawbacks of financial inclusion and population size. This study suggests promoting sustainable forestry, balanced urban development, cautious financial inclusion, and population management, providing insights for policymakers to develop strategies for resilience and prosperity in the BIMSTEC region.

Introduction Dengue is a viral disease borne by mosquitoes that infects humans that is a significant public health concern and socio-economic burden globally, especially in countries in the tropics and subtropics. Health education and community participation are the most powerful prevention strategies. Assessing local community knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) on dengue is essential for targeted interventions, as enhancing KAP helps communities recognize risks, adopt preventive attitudes, and implement effective measures to reduce dengue transmission. This study developed and validated a questionnaire on dengue KAP among secondary schoolchildren. Questionnaires serve as essential tools in research, allowing for standardized measurement of knowledge, attitudes, and practices, which supports accurate data collection and meaningful analysis. Methods The development and evaluation process (structure and content) involved consultations with eight experts including public health medicine specialists, medical officers, behavioural insights officer, academician, and entomologist, to ensure the relevance and comprehensiveness of the questionnaires. A QDengue-KAP questionnaire was administered to 30 secondary schoolchildren in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The online questionnaire was self-administered, closed-ended, distributed anonymously, and participation was voluntary. Results The final questionnaire comprised four sections and 50 items after the initial version had undergone a rigorous evaluation to ensure its reliability and validity. The content validity index (CVI) and content validity ratio (CVR) values exceeded the minimum requirement and indicated that all items met the minimum standards for content validity. Compared to the initial version, the final version of the questionnaire had improved Cronbach alpha values for each dengue KAP domain: knowledge [Cronbach’s alpha: 0.765 (items: 15)], attitude [0.894 (15)], practice Part A [0.735 (15)], and practice Part B [0.876 (5)]. Thus, each statement in the Knowledge (K), Attitude (A), and Practice (P) domains was deemed valid through validity and reliability evaluation, ensuring their relevance and accuracy in assessing dengue-related factors. Conclusion The validation process demonstrated that each statement in the KAP domains was relevant, accurate, and aligned with the study's objectives, supported by expert validation and representation of the target population. This rigorous approach strengthens the validity and reliability of the questionnaire, making it a valid tool for assessing and improving dengue-related behaviours within the target population.

This paper develops a method for cancer classification from microRNA data using a convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based model optimized by genetic algorithm. The convolutional neural network has performed well in various recognition and perception tasks. This paper contributes to the cancer classification using a union of two CNNs. The method's performance is boosted by the relationship between CNNs and exchanging knowledge between them. Besides, communication between small sizes of CNNs reduces the need for large size CNNs and, consequently, the computational time and memory usage while preserving high accuracy. The method proposed is tested on microRNA dataset containing the genomic information of 8129 patients for 29 different types of cancer with 1046 gene expression. The classification accuracy of the selected genes obtained by the proposed approach is compared with the accuracy of 22 well‐known classifiers on a real‐world dataset. The classification accuracy of each cancer type is also ranked with the results of 77 classifiers reported in previous works. The proposed approach shows accuracy of 100% in 24 out of 29 classes and in seven cases out of 29, the method achieved 100% accuracy that no classifier in other studies has reached. Performance analysis is performed using performance metrics.

Gender inequality is not only a crucial issue at the global level, but also at the national and village levels. The position of the Village is very crucial because the Village is the lowest government institution that is directly in contact with the community, so the village is the key success of development. There has been a lot of research and publications related to policies aimed at realizing gender equality at the global and national level, but very little has been discussed at the village level, especially in Indonesia. This article is expected to fill this gap and aims to develop policy innovations to realize gender equality in Indonesia’s Rural Development. This research uses qualitative methods, with primary and secondary data. Primary data was obtained through observation, the author's participation in village women’s activities, and interviews with village administrators. Secondary data was obtained by reviewing reputable journals and official Indonesian government documents. The findings of this research indicate that opportunities to create policy innovations at the village level are increasingly open with the passing of Law no. 6 of 2014 concerning Villages which encourages women’s participation in rural development and the disbursement of village funds. This innovation was continued with the launch of Village SDGs in 2020 and Women-Friendly and Child-Care Villages (DRPPA) in 2022.

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) is an effective strategy for combating global warming as it utilizes two major greenhouse gases, CH 4 and CO 2 , to produce syngas with a unity ratio. This syngas is ideal for various chemical processes and the synthesis of liquid fuels. Herein, this study we studied effective of DRM over cobalt (Co) supported on dolomite catalyst using varies Co loadings, ranging from 5 to 25%. Effect of calcination temperature was studied ranging 700-900 °C, and it was strongly proven that DRM efficiency proportional increased with calcination temperature due highest calcination temperature may alter the catalyst structure and affecting the absorption of H 2. Noted, rich Co species (20%) catalyst exhibited the highest conversion rates, exceeding 90% for both CH 4 and CO 2 at 900 °C with high stability, without requiring in situ hydrogen gas reduction. The presence of oxygen vacancies on the surfaces of CaO and MgO supplied oxygen atoms to the Co surface, leading to the removal of deposited carbon species and the release of CO. As a result, the 20Co900/Dol catalyst exhibits remarkable catalytic performance and stability, primarily attributable to the swift formation of a uniform alloy and the synergistic interplay between Co and CaO.